Christie Moore saw an opportunity to make year-round North Forkers feel even more connected to their community and she jumped on it.
Moore, a self-proclaimed foodie, moved to the North Fork in 2019 with her two kids and husband. Since making Southold home, she’s seen tourists come and go with many local business promotions catered towards those just swooping through in the summer or here for a weekend getaway.
In November, she created the North Fork Supper Club a membership-based program in which full-time residents pay $40 a year for access to deals exclusive to locals, made possible by partnerships with North Fork restaurants.
“I feel like everything has gotten so catered to the high season that it feels almost disincentivized to the locals,” says Moore. “I wanted them to feel special — the locals supporting them [North Fork businesses] all year long, so this is just about thanking them for their loyalty.”
With nearly 20 restaurants on board, Moore says the program has already proved to be successful in strengthening community connections, encouraging weekly outings and giving cost effective options with the membership valued at $3.33 monthly.
“Usually in your first visit to a participating restaurant, you’re going to get at least $3 in value,” says Moore. “It pays for itself very quickly.”
Businesses can get involved, residents can sign up for memberships and all current deals are listed on the club’s website.
When residents register, Moore confirms that they live full-time on the North Fork using proof of residence like a driver’s license, lease or voter registration form, then emails them a digital membership card that they show to redeem perks.
“The idea was to really create something specifically for the people who are here through the hard months and the restaurants signed up with that understanding,” says Moore.
Andrew Werts, owner of Ellen’s on Front was one of the first to get involved. The Greenport business offers half off beer and wine with a two-drink maximum on Sundays through Wednesdays for North Fork Supper Club members.
“It’s important to recognize the heart and soul of the community and make sure that they understand that we care about them,” says Werts. “It’s a great initiative and anything that can get people out to try new places and try new meals and have good food and support local employees — forget about the local businesses which are obviously important — but of course our staff who are all local kids, retirees, people working second jobs, that’s really important and allows us to have a restaurant open throughout the year.”
It’s not just the businesses and local people benefiting, however. A portion of the membership fee goes toward a local farm fund, this year’s supporting KK’s The Farm.
“The idea is to keep everything circulating locally,” says Moore. “Residents are supporting restaurants and the program is supporting the community.”
Moore hopes to continue growing the program, letting locals shape it to their wants and needs. For updates, current perks and to get involved visit the North Fork Supper Club website.
